Auckland faces a major waste management challenge with the upcoming closure of Redvale Landfill in December 2028.As Auckland’s biggest landfill, Redvale processes around 600,000 tonnes of waste annually.Its closure creates a significant infrastructure gap until the proposed Auckland Regional Landfill (ARL) becomes operational in the mid-2030s.WM New Zealand is actively seeking community feedback on interim solutions to manage the 4 million tonnes of waste expected during this gap period.Independent analyses suggest the best option is rebalancing existing landfills, but public input remains crucial.Community members across the Hibiscus Coast and wider Auckland area are encouraged to attend an upcoming consultation meeting:Dairy Flat Community Hall – 27 March, 6PM-7PMCommunity feedback will directly influence decisions impacting Auckland’s environmental sustainability and waste management strategies.Your voice matters in shaping responsible waste solutions.To participate or learn more, visit: wm.nz/consultationGot a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

On 17 March each year, many Coasties proudly wear green and gather with friends and family, but have you ever wondered why? St. Patrick’s Day celebrates Ireland's patron saint, St. Patrick, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century.Originally a religious feast day honouring the saint's passing, it has evolved into a joyful global celebration of Irish heritage and culture. Today, communities worldwide, including ours here on the Hibiscus Coast, mark the occasion with vibrant parades, delicious Irish food, music, and perhaps a bit of Irish dancing!While it's a special day for those with Irish roots, St. Patrick's Day has become an inclusive event enjoyed by everyone. Whether you're Irish or just Irish-at-heart, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day is about coming together, appreciating culture, and enjoying good company.So, if you're out today, don't forget your touch of green—it's part of the fun tradition that keeps us connected!Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

With weekday surf lifeguard patrols now finished on the Hibiscus Coast and across New Zealand, Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is reminding beachgoers to take extra care as they head into the cooler months.Between November and March, volunteer surf lifeguards have patrolled over 90 beaches nationwide, including popular local spots like Orewa and Red Beach. But as summer winds down, so do the lifeguard patrols—weekdays have now ended, and weekend patrols are wrapping up soon too.SLSNZ National Coastal Safety Manager Tom Kearney says with fewer patrols, it's critical that people make smart decisions before heading into the water. "If you have any doubt at all about the sea conditions and your ability to get back to shore safely, please stay on the beach," Tom says.Between July 2023 and June 2024, 42 people lost their lives on our coastlines—each one a tragic reminder of the risks. Men make up 93% of these drownings, with the 35-44 age group the most affected. Rip currents remain the leading danger, contributing to 17% of drownings at surf beaches in the past decade. Even shallow water can be risky if there's a rip current beneath the surface."While many people think they can spot a rip, the reality is different," says Tom. Research shows less than one-third can correctly identify a rip current when shown a photo—and even fewer can pick one out in real life.Tom’s advice for Coasties heading to the beach this autumn:Visit safeswim.org.nz to find lifeguarded beachesSwim between the red and yellow flags if patrols are operatingIf in doubt, stay out“At the end of the day, coming home from a great day on the beach is what really matters,” Tom says. “There’s always another day to swim.”For Hibiscus Coast families, this means keeping a close eye on loved ones and taking the time to assess the conditions. With fewer lifeguards around, a bit of extra caution goes a long way.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

The Auckland Writers Festival has launched its 2025 programme, promising an ambitious and wide-ranging celebration of books and ideas. Running from 13 to 18 May in the heart of Auckland, this year’s event features more than 170 events and will welcome over 220 writers and thinkers from New Zealand and around the world.For 26 years, this beloved festival has connected readers with storytellers. Festival Director Lyndsey Fineran says 2025’s line-up reflects the team’s passion for creating dynamic and creative experiences for audiences. “I’m so proud to reveal this year’s ambitious, wide-ranging and creative line-up,” she says. Last year’s festival broke attendance records, with more than 85,000 visitors, and book sales increased by 50% on the previous year.The 2025 programme offers something for everyone—literary heavyweights, emerging voices, global commentators, and innovative experiences. Coasties keen on fiction can look forward to appearances from Colm Tóibín, David Nicholls, and Rumaan Alam, while crime enthusiasts won’t want to miss Sir Ian Rankin and Chris Whitaker. Catherine Chidgey will present her highly anticipated novel The Book of Guilt, and this year’s Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction winner will make their first appearance just days after the awards ceremony.For those interested in world affairs, The New York Times’ Edward Wong, philosopher A.C. Grayling, and journalist Anna Fifield will tackle global and local issues in panel discussions such as “How Tyrants Fall” and “Te Tiriti: Where to From Here?”.The festival isn’t all serious talk—there are lively events like creating A Waiata in an Hour with Anika Moa, and The Book Factory, where visitors can help publish a book by hand in Aotea Square. Spoken word poet Lemn Sissay will return with his inspiring morning performance Let the Light Pour In. Even kids are covered with Pukapuka Adventures, a free programme offering readings and workshops for young readers, and a special gala night featuring Andy Griffiths and Jessica Townsend.With free events like Kōrero Corner and Streetside, plus ticketed headline sessions, there’s a full week of inspiration ahead. Coasties heading into the city can expect a vibrant literary celebration right on our doorstep.For full event details and tickets, visit the Auckland Writers Festival website.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

From 20 March 2025, landlords and tenants across New Zealand will see new rules introduced to clarify communication, reinforce smoking bans, and streamline Tenancy Tribunal hearings.If you rent or own a rental property, here’s what’s changing.Electronic communication gets easierLandlords will now be able to serve notices and documents using an electronic address—if tenants have listed one as an address for service in the tenancy agreement. This can be an email address, a mobile phone number (for texts), a fax number, or an instant messaging account.Even after the tenancy ends, landlords can use the provided email address for up to two years when applying for mediation or making a claim to the Tenancy Tribunal.Enforceable smoking bansFrom 20 March 2025, landlords can ban smoking inside a rental property through the tenancy agreement. If tenants breach the rule, the Tenancy Tribunal will be able to enforce the ban.Landlords may also extend a smoking ban to outdoor areas such as garages, balconies, or gardens. However, they will need to ensure the ban doesn’t interfere with a tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment of the property.Fewer in-person Tenancy Tribunal hearingsLandlords may no longer need to attend Tenancy Tribunal hearings in person for many applications. The Tribunal may decide cases based on the application and supporting documents alone.In-person attendance is still required for cases involving terminating a tenancy, a landlord’s right of entry, or boarding room issues.What this means for landlords and tenantsThese changes aim to make things clearer and more convenient for landlords and tenants across the country. Landlords are encouraged to review their tenancy agreements to ensure they reflect the new laws.For Coasties, local property managers are also preparing for the changes and updating agreements to keep everything compliant.For full details, visit tenancy.govt.nzGot a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

If you’ve ever lived in Birkenhead or Birkdale, you’ll know one thing for sure—Onewa Road can be a bit of a bottleneck.It’s one of Auckland’s busiest routes, and for anyone heading to work in the city, or school, getting through the traffic can test your patience.Now, Auckland Transport (AT) and the Kaipātiki Local Board are working on a plan to make Onewa Road more efficient—and they want to hear what locals in the area think.AT says around 30,000 vehicles travel Onewa Road daily, moving an estimated 100,000 people.It’s already a model of productivity, with a T3 lane helping buses and carpoolers travel faster.But as North Shore Councillor Richard Hills points out, there’s room for improvement.“Residents and businesses rely on Onewa Road every day, and it’s important it stays efficient for our growing community,” Cr Hills says.“The T3 lane moves more than 65% of morning commuters, but we need improvements for all users.”AT’s Road Network Optimisation Manager, Chris Martin, agrees.“By making the road more productive at moving people, we can reduce journey times for everyone,” he says.“We’re looking at bus boosters and queue detection technology to help move things along even faster.”There are also plans for a shared path for pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter riders, as well as better technology at pedestrian crossings—especially around the three schools along Onewa Road.Northcote MP Dan Bidois says he’s backing the plans.“This isn’t a rebuild. It’s about making the most of the space we’ve got to ease congestion and make the road safer.”Onewa Road already has two lanes in each direction, with the eastbound T3 lane in place since 1982 and the westbound since 2015.Improvements over recent years—like extra CCTV cameras and more frequent bus services—have helped, including the upgraded 94 bus which now runs every 15 minutes from Beach Haven to Takapuna.This project is part of a wider programme by AT and NZ Transport Agency to use smarter tech and solutions to keep Auckland’s roads moving as the population—and traffic—keep growing.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

A crash on the Auckland Northern Motorway is causing delays for Coasties heading south today.The incident, involving multiple vehicles, happened just before 11:20 near the Wilks Road Overbridge, close to Dairy Flat.Two people have been moderately injured, according to emergency services.One southbound lane remains blocked, and traffic is building quickly in the area.Motorists are being urged to avoid the route if possible or allow extra time for their journey.NZTA has advised caution for anyone travelling southbound toward Auckland City.The blockage is expected to cause significant delays as emergency services clear the scene.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Welcome to The Week That Was—your go-to recap of the most important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.Millwater Bus Shelters Delayed Until 2026Read moreNew Zealand Population Continues Steady RiseRead more Orewa Surf Sounds Concert ReturnsRead moreNorthland Expressway Road of National SignificanceRead moreHow $1.50 Packs a Healthy Lunch!Read moreStay ahead of the curve—get the latest Hibiscus Coast news delivered directly to your phone.Download the Hibiscus Coast App today and never miss a story!Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

After nearly two years of waiting, Pūhoi residents can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Auckland Transport (AT) has officially completed major repairs on Ahuroa Road, one of Rodney’s worst-hit areas following the devastating 2023 storm events.The road, which links Pūhoi and Ahuroa, was severely damaged early last year.Eight major slips along the route forced its closure to all but residents.A particularly large slip near the top of the road left families facing long detours to get to work, school, and essential services.Alan Wallace, Auckland Transport’s General Manager of Road Asset Maintenance and Renewals, says it’s been a significant job.“We’re very pleased to have completed the repair of the last of the major slips and returned the road to the community,” he says.Construction teams from Downer NZ and Mason Contractors worked through challenging weather and terrain to complete the repairs.The biggest task involved building a highly technical $6.6 million concrete palisade wall, which used 166 piles driven up to 17 metres deep, along with 480 metres of soil nail anchors to stabilise the slip site.Samantha Riley, Contract Manager at Downer NZ, highlights the team’s focus on reconnecting the community.“A key achievement for us was enabling some of our youngest community members, children, to safely return to Ahuroa School,” she says.“We understood how important this road is to people’s daily lives.”The Pūhoi and Ahuroa communities have shown a great deal of patience throughout the process, says Rodney Local Board Chair Brent Bailey.“Our Pūhoi community has been severely impacted because of the substantial damage caused by the storms,” he says.“It has taken a long time to fix and reopen this road because of the difficult terrain and the challenges caused by the many slips, including this major slip.”Ahuroa Road’s reopening is a huge step forward for locals who rely on it every day.Road sealing maintenance, which is outside the flood repair project, is expected to take place at a later date.For Coasties who travel this route or have friends and family in Pūhoi, it’s welcome news that life is getting back to normal.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

The government has told international investors it wants their help deciding on the options for a second Waitematā Harbour crossing.Speaking to the Infrastructure Investment Summit, Transport Minister Chris Bishop said the government was commencing "early market soundings" on the project, and whether it will be a second bridge or a tunnel."Many of you will be from countries that have done mega-projects like this. It has been a long, long time since we have," Bishop said."We need your thoughts, and the lessons you have learnt being involved in similar projects."Bishop said the study would also ask about financing options, and expected tolling or road pricing would play a part.He said the first market sounding would take place in April, with a second one taking place later in the year.He expected to announce a preferred option in mid-2026."Auckland, and New Zealand, needs this project. And after decades of discussion, we are finally ready to put a stake in the ground," he said.The market soundings would involve one-on-one engagement with civil contractors, maintenance providers, investors, and debt financiers.They would be asked for their feedback on design elements and approach to delivery, as well as the market appetite and capacity.The New Zealand Transport Agency would also test interest on funding, financing, and procurement options, Bishop said.Tolls on the cardsBishop also told attendees the government was exploring tolling concessions to speed up road construction.All Roads of National Significance are being assessed for tolling.The concessions would mean the private company collects the revenue from a toll to offset its costs, while giving the government an up-front capital payment.The government would then re-invest that payment into other roading projects.It would also maintain ownership of the road built through toll concessions."We want to understand how we can grasp opportunities to use upfront capital to help fund future projects, like other countries do, unlocking economic growth and productivity benefits sooner," Bishop said.Speaking to media afterwards, Bishop said he would not get ahead of himself and announce a preferred option."The history of this stuff is politicians do a desktop study, it takes forever, it costs a lot of money, and then everyone gets excited about a particular option, and then they announce it without actually having talked to the private sector about what might be deliverable and how the financing and how the economics might stack up," he said."So we're doing that work first, before we start to firm up decisions about what we will build, how we will build it, and when we will build it."José Manuel Entrecanales, chief executive of Spanish firm Acciona, said he was "definitely" interested in getting involved.Acciona already has a presence in New Zealand through its work on the Puhoi to Warkworth highway, and the Eastern Busway.

Coasties, if you’re planning on being near Albany on Sunday, be aware that several road closures and bus detours will be in place for Run Albany—the grand finale of the North Shore Run Series.The event kicks off at 07:30 on Sunday, 16 March 2025, and runs through to 10:00.To keep the course clear and safe for runners, a number of streets in Albany will be closed, including:Don McKinnon DriveAppian WayWanboet LaneDavies DriveMunroe LaneCorban AvenueStadium DriveBus stops at Westfield Albany and on Munroe Lane will also be closed for about 2.5 hours. Bus routes 83, 917, 126, and 861 will detour during this time.Organisers are expecting a great turnout to celebrate the end of the summer fitness season.If you’re heading to Albany on Sunday morning—whether by car or public transport—it’s a good idea to allow extra time and plan your route.For full details on the closures and detours, visit the North Shore Run Series website.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

From 16 March 2026, new rules will apply to gift cards and vouchers in New Zealand. The changes, announced by MBIE, are designed to protect consumers and ensure clear terms for all gift cards sold after that date.The key change is that all gift cards must have a minimum expiry period of three years from the date of sale. This applies to both physical and digital cards. The expiry date must also be clearly shown on the card, or it must state if there is no expiry.Who’s affected?These rules cover most gift cards sold to consumers, including open-loop cards like Prezzy Cards. Some are excluded—such as cards for returned goods, utilities, loyalty programmes, or charity fundraisers.Penalties for breaking the rulesIf a business doesn’t comply, it risks fines of up to NZ$30,000. Individuals can be fined up to NZ$10,000. Minor breaches can lead to $1,000 infringement notices.Coasties are advised to always check expiry dates and terms before buying or gifting a card.Local businesses are urged to prepare now by updating systems and training staff.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

A 44-year-old Auckland man is facing prosecution after allegedly failing to register seven of his firearms, despite having previously registered five. Police say the case highlights the serious consequences of non-compliance with the Firearms Registry, which became law in 2023.The man has been summonsed to appear at Waitakere District Court next month. He faces charges under section 53A of the Arms Act for intentionally failing to provide required information for the Registry.Police seized 12 firearms from his property earlier this week. Detective Inspector Albie Alexander confirmed that five of the seized firearms had been registered, while seven—comprising standard shotguns and rifles—were not.“Failure to register firearms has consequences,” said Detective Inspector Alexander.“In this case, the man initially told Police he assumed the law was going to change in future, and when questioned further, claimed he forgot to register them.”The Firearms Registry, managed by the Firearms Safety Authority-Te Tari Pūreke, is a key part of New Zealand’s firearms safety system. It allows Police to have real-time information about who owns what firearms, helping them assess risks during critical incidents.Superintendent Richard Wilson, Operations Director at the Firearms Safety Authority, says the case demonstrates that the law will be enforced. “It is an offence punishable by up to two years’ jail or a fine of NZD 20,000 for intentionally failing to register a firearm,” he said. “People who choose not to comply are not fit and proper licence holders.”The man’s firearms licence has been suspended while Police consider permanent revocation.Superintendent Wilson encouraged licence holders who need help with the Registry to contact 0800 844 431. “The message is simple—don’t risk losing your licence and ending up in court. We’re here to help.”Since its launch in June 2023, more than a third of New Zealand’s licence holders have registered their firearms—over 370,000 in total. The Registry was established to close long-standing gaps in the Arms Act, identified as early as 1997, and aims to make it harder for firearms to fall into criminal hands.For Coasties who hold firearms licences, this case serves as an important reminder to stay up to date with their legal obligations. Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Looking for plans? Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!Ducky DerbySat 15 March.More detailsSwim School Open DaySat 15 March.More detailsMen in Business: Game Plan for SuccessTue 18 March.More detailsWant to see more events? Explore everything happening in our community on the Hibiscus Coast App.Have an event to share?Promote it for Free - click here!

Coasties travelling north or south on State Highway 1 (SH1) this month may experience delays as essential maintenance gets underway.NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has advised that road improvement works will take place between Silverdale and Warkworth, including the Johnstone Hill Tunnels, starting Sunday 16 March.The works will include resurfacing, vegetation control, and tunnel maintenance. Scheduled closures and lane restrictions are as follows:Johnstone Hill Tunnels will be closed to northbound traffic day and night from 21:00 on Sunday 16 March until 05:00 on Friday 21 March.➔ Traffic will travel north using one of the southbound lanes.➔ Drivers are asked to slow down and follow instructions.Silverdale interchange to Warkworth roundabout northbound will be closed 21:00–05:00 on Tuesday 18 March.➔ Several ramps will also close, including Silverdale northbound on-ramp and Orewa northbound off-ramp.➔ A detour will be in place via Hibiscus Coast Highway and Old State Highway 1.Warkworth roundabout to Silverdale interchange southbound will be closed 21:00–05:00 on Wednesday 19 March.➔ Ramps such as Puhoi southbound on-ramp and Silverdale southbound off-ramp will be closed.➔ Southbound drivers will detour via Old State Highway 1 and Hibiscus Coast Highway.Silverdale interchange to Oteha Valley Road southbound will have lane restrictions 21:00–05:00 from Monday 17 to Thursday 20 March.➔ Southbound lanes remain open, but delays are possible.These works are weather dependent and may be rescheduled if conditions change.NZTA encourages drivers to check the NZTA Journey Planner for the latest updates.If you’re heading north or south during these times, plan ahead. Increased noise and travel delays are expected due to resurfacing, vegetation control, and slip remediation.Extra caution is urged for those using detours through the Hibiscus Coast Highway and Old SH1.NZTA apologises for any inconvenience and thanks motorists for their patience as they work to maintain road safety and quality.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a total outdoor fire ban for all of Auckland starting from Friday, 14 March. This means no outdoor fires of any kind are permitted until further notice.Northland, already under a prohibited season, continues with the same restrictions. Most of the Waikato region is also affected by this ban, as hot and dry conditions show no sign of easing.Te Hiku Region Manager Ron Devlin says the measures are critical to reducing the risk of wildfires, which have been increasing across the upper North Island this summer.“Aucklanders can see the grass is about as dry as it can get,” Devlin explains. “We’ve had a lot of fires escape and get out of control—some needing multiple crews to contain them.”Recent fires, including the Māngere Mountain blaze and a series of fires at Port Waikato, have highlighted how quickly flames can spread. In just the past week, several incidents have required significant firefighting efforts.“Nearly 97 per cent of wildfires in New Zealand are caused by people,” Devlin says. “These fires are preventable, yet they continue to threaten lives, homes, wildlife and our environment.”The ban covers all outdoor burning, including backyard fires, bonfires, and burning garden waste. Fire permits have been suspended.Locals are also urged to delay high-risk activities like welding, grinding, chainsawing, or even mowing the lawn until conditions improve. “Even parking a hot car on dry grass has the potential to start a devastating wildfire,” Devlin adds.Fire and Emergency advises all Coasties to stay informed by visiting www.checkitsalright.nz where they can enter their location for up-to-date fire restrictions and safety tips.With the region’s vegetation bone-dry, this ban is in place to help keep people, property, and wildlife safe on the Hibiscus Coast and beyond.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Did you know that prams, guitars, and even snowboards have been left behind at Auckland Airport? Every year, around 18.5 million travellers pass through the terminals, and some leave behind more than memories. While many items are reunited with their owners, others are donated to help families in need.In the past year alone, around 9,000 kilograms of unclaimed items have found new homes thanks to a partnership between Auckland Airport and ME Family Services (MEFS). Based in Māngere and Ōtāhuhu, MEFS supports local families by providing free essential goods through its onsite Resource Room.Auckland Airport Chief Operations Officer Chloe Surridge says the donations are part of a wider sustainability goal.“We don’t want to see these items ending up in landfill,” she said. “It’s so much better they are re-homed for good.”The airport is working towards reducing waste to landfill by 20% by 2030 (compared to 2019) and is already tracking at a 15% reduction.For Coasties, this story highlights how the simple act of donating or rehoming goods can make a real difference. MEFS assists around 800 families a year. Many items—like prams, children’s clothes, and winter gear—are snapped up quickly.“We’ve seen 50 donated books go in a single day,” said MEFS Chief Executive Carole Tana-Tepania.Tana-Tepania explains how meaningful the donations can be.“We recently had a mum walking her four kids everywhere,” she said. “We sorted two prams for her. One for her and one for her older child to push, so they can get everyone to school and daycare more easily.”The partnership between Auckland Airport and MEFS began eight years ago on a small scale. Today, MEFS collects regularly from across the airport precinct, including hotel bedding donations. Last year, more than 50 beds and bedding sets were provided—items always in high demand.Here are some of the more surprising goods donated in 2024:Prams (more than 200)GuitarsSkateboards and snowboardsCar parts like shock absorbersBeds, bedding, and mattressesCrutches, walkers, and wheelchairsSports gear, including tennis racketsEmpty suitcases and chilly binsFor travellers who lose something at Auckland Airport, items are held at the Lost Property Office (by Door 1 in the international terminal) for up to three months.Call 0800 AIRPORT (247 7678), option 4, or email [email protected] you’ve ever left something behind, there’s a good chance it helped someone in need.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) is expanding its AI-powered Growth Academy across the country, helping 1,400 Kiwi businesses focus on strategic growth rather than day-to-day operations.The expanded programme follows a successful pilot in 2024 involving 250 businesses.BNZ, in partnership with growth software company D/srupt, is now rolling out the initiative nationwide.The academy combines in-person workshops with AI-powered digital tools designed to help business owners clarify their growth strategy, assess funding needs, and explore market opportunities.BNZ General Manager, Growth Sectors, Brandon Jackson, says the programme addresses one of the biggest challenges faced by small and medium businesses: finding time to work on their business rather than in it.“As New Zealand’s largest business bank, we’ve seen how successful businesses thrive when owners can step back from daily firefighting to focus on strategy,” Jackson said.The Growth Academy gives participants access to D/srupt’s Growth Navigation platform.The software uses AI to personalise strategic insights, making complex planning processes quicker and easier to implement.Success StoriesThe academy has already shown tangible results.BlueDoor, an internet service provider for residential and business customers, participated in the pilot and saw immediate benefits.“The Growth Academy helped us take our strategic thinking to the next level,” said BlueDoor Director Mark Anderson.Following the programme, BlueDoor secured nearly NZD 500,000 in financing from BNZ to support its expansion plans.D/srupt founder Debbie Humphrey says the programme’s AI tools make strategy planning faster and more accessible, particularly for time-poor business owners.“What might have taken a full day of workshops can now be done in minutes,” Humphrey said.“We combine practical guidance with technology to help turn big-picture thinking into concrete action plans.”The Growth Academy officially launches on 31 March 2025, with applications opening on 10 March. It includes:In-person workshops in 16 locations, from Whangārei to InvercargillOnline learning options for wider accessibilityAccess to D/srupt’s AI-powered platform for strategic planningGuidance on funding pathways, including grants and growth capitalDirect connection to BNZ’s business banking supportThe 12-month programme is designed to help New Zealand businesses build robust, actionable growth plans, regardless of industry or size.For more details, visit the BNZ website: BNZ Growth AcademyGot a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

The Blues will head to Hamilton this Saturday with renewed confidence as several experienced players return from injury to face the Chiefs at FMG Stadium Waikato. Kick-off is at 19:05.It’s a chance for the Blues to get one back after the Chiefs defeated them 25-14 at Eden Park in the season opener. That match saw the home side lead 14-6 at halftime, only to be kept scoreless in the second half.Now sitting in the bottom half of the Super Rugby Pacific table with one win from four games, the Blues are determined to turn things around. Despite leading at halftime in every match so far, they’ve struggled to close games out. Head coach Vern Cotter hopes the return of key players—and the injection of exciting young talent—will help change that.North Harbour’s Cameron Christie earns another start after impressing on debut, while All Black Dalton Papali’i returns to strengthen the loose forwards alongside Anton Segner. Up front, Samoan international Jordan Lay makes his first start of the season, with Laghlan McWhannell back from injury in the second row.In the backs, experienced halfback Sam Nock gets his first start this year. He’ll guide a potent backline featuring All Blacks Caleb Clarke, Rieko Ioane and Mark Tele’a. There’s also a debut for Xavi Taele, last year’s age group player of the year, who joins Ioane in midfield. Corey Evans will wear the number 15 jersey, bringing versatility to the backfield.“We are continuing to show improvement after a slowish start to the season,” Cotter said. “With several key players back from injury, we are looking for some significant input from our bench.”The bench features experienced campaigners, including Angus Ta’avao, Finlay Christie and Stephen Perofeta, along with power runners AJ Lam and Josh Beehre. Cotter is confident their impact could prove vital in the second half.“We’re expecting a physical clash and would certainly like to get one back on the Chiefs after they beat us at home,” Cotter said.Coasties following the Blues will be pleased to see Dalton Papali’i back in action, while North Harbour fans can cheer on rising star Cameron Christie, who came through Orewa College, in his second start.Players still sidelined include Beauden Barrett (hand), expected to be out for 4-6 weeks, and Hoskins Sotutu, who is suspended.Blues Team To Play Chiefs(Blues caps in brackets)Jordan Lay (22)Kurt Eklund (64)Ofa Tu’ungafasi (153)Patrick Tuipulotu© (116)Laghlan McWhannell (13)Cameron Christie (2)Dalton Papali’i (86)Anton Segner (27)Sam Nock (75)Harry Plummer (79)Caleb Clarke (68)Xavi Taele (Debut)Rieko Ioane (116)Mark Tele’a (71)Corey Evans (17)Reserves: 16. Nathaniel Pole (2) 17. Joshua Fusitu’a (25) 18. Angus Ta’avao (70) 19. Josh Beehre (15) 20. Cameron Suafoa (28) 21. Finlay Christie (58) 22. Stephen Perofeta (68) 23. AJ Lam (47)Go the Blues!Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]